Sisi and Zebre feeling fearless as they prepare for first-ever European knock-out tie
Zebre second row David Sisi is excited to lock horns with old club Bath in the European Challenge Cup today and warned the Italians have no fear ahead of the knock-out tie.
Coronavirus concerns in January saw the group stage suspended after two rounds and the highest-placed teams put through to the last-16.
A draw with Bayonne and a hard-fought victory at Brive was enough to help Zebre progress into the knock-out stage of a European competition for the first time and their prize is a home clash against English opposition.
"I think we earnt out spot this year," said Sisi. "We're really pleased to progress in Europe and get to the knockout stage for the first time. And the fact we've got a big team, a team with European history who happen to be my old club, we're happy to lay down the challenge to them."
Italy international Sisi spent four seasons at the Rec but his opportunities were limited and he also had time away from the club on loan.
A string of injury problems affected his spell in the West Country, but the 28-year-old has become a key player at Zebre since his 2017 switch andwaspartoftheteamwhich held Bristol to a 7-7 draw in this competition during the previous campaign.
It should serve as a warning to the Gallagher Premiership outfit who are without a number of key personnel for the trip to Italy, including captain Charlie Ewels.
Sisi said: "I have some great friends there and people behind the scenes at the club so I’m looking forward to catching up with them.
"A fantastic challenge and the sort we really embrace at Zebre because we don't roll over for any side that comes over to Parma. We don't fear anyone, we have no reason to fear anybody and we will go out and play our brand of rugby and see where it takes us."
The winner of the clash between Zebre and Bath will face one of London Irish or Cardiff Blues in the quarterfinal, who are also in action today.
FIXTURES
Today
European Champions Cup
Leinster v Toulon (5.30) Gloucester v La Rochelle (8.00) European Challenge Cup
Montpellier v Glasgow (8.00) London Irish v Cardiff Blues (5.30) Zebre v Bath (3.00)